Mollie’s Motel – A Budget-Friendly Base for Your Trip to Bristol

When Mollie’s Motel, the Cotswolds-based motel from the people behind Soho House, announced their latest opening in Bristol last year, I booked a trip straight away. Straightforward yet beautiful design, delicious food and amazing value for money make it the perfect base for a UK staycation. And with Bristol being one of my favourite places in England, I didn’t need an excuse to visit again.

Having stayed at their Cotswolds location earlier in the year, I had a good idea of what to expect from my stay, but their Bristol addition was even more beautiful than I imagined.

Getting to Mollie’s Motel Bristol

Mollie’s Motel is located in Cribbs Causeway, a large retail park about 20 minutes away from the centre of Bristol. It’s just over 2 hours from London if you’re driving. If you’re coming by train, it takes 1 hour 40 from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads, followed by a short taxi to the motel.

Once you’re there, there’s free parking on-site, and I’d really recommend driving if you can, as there’s not much within walking distance.

First impressions

Almost identical to its Cotswolds counterpart, on arrival you’re greeted by an American-style diner and round the back, you’ll find Mollie’s Motel. The main difference is that the Bristol location is slightly bigger, boasting 123 rooms compared to Oxfordshire’s 79.

Inside you’ll find a large reception area with lots of space to chill out, work, or have a drink, leading out to a large terrace with plenty of seats to enjoy the space if the weather allows.

The rooms at Mollie’s Motel Bristol

Mollie’s Motel is from the people at Soho House, so whilst you don’t need a membership to stay here, and you’re not paying Soho House prices, there’s no compromise on style. The rooms are design-led; think Scandi-style furniture, statement Soho House Cowshed toiletries, pink accent chairs, and a rainforest shower. There’s lots of choice when it comes to room types – doubles, twins, bunk rooms for children and even connecting rooms if you’re coming in a group. There’s the option of keyless entry to each room via the app, so no frantic searches at the bottom of your bag.

You would be forgiven for thinking you’d walked into a much more expensive hotel when you stay here, the decor is considered and very instagrammable.

The food

The on-site 1950’s inspired diner serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with an American-style menu that’s perfect for adults and children. Affordability is a common theme at Mollie’s, you can order a burger and chips and get change from a tenner. Make sure you also try the sides – go for the chicken bites & the mac and cheese.

Beyond the diner, there’s a Miller and Carter next door, or Cribbs Causeway retail park has a Pizza Express, Gourmet Burger Kitchen and a few other chain restaurants.

If you’d prefer to venture into Bristol, there’s much more choice. One of my favourite areas is Wapping Wharf, a collection of independent shops and eateries inside shipping containers. Head to Cargo Cantina for amazing tacos, Salt & Malt do award-winning fish and chips (but be prepared to wait a while) and Tare for a more intimate tasting menu.

Things to do near Mollie’s Motel

Mollie’s isn’t the place for you if you want to relax in your hotel all weekend or explore the area on foot, so it doesn’t score very highly for activities and experiences, but it’s a really affordable base for exploring the city.

Anything else

Check before you stay if you need to pre-book the diner. They didn’t give priority to guests when I went so I had to find somewhere else to eat which was a pain when I arrived late and didn’t know the area.

Mollie’s Motel price

The major selling point of this place is definitely the price – you can bag a room here from just £50 a night.

Feels like

You’re getting a lot of value for your money, it’s very rare to see a hotel at this price that’s this beautiful.

Book a stay here if…

You want a base to explore the area and won’t be spending much time at the hotel.
Book your stay

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